Sri Lanka Navy intercepted 61 persons illegally bound for Australia in a multi-day trawler on 18th April 2013. The trawler named “Madushan II” was intercepted by a Sri Lanka Navy’s Fast Naval Patrol Craft attached to the Eastern Naval Command off Batticaloa. Among the arrested persons are 60 Tamils
Raytheon Company delivered the second Phalanx Block 1B Close-In Weapon System for installation on Australia’s newest Air Warfare Destroyer, the Brisbane. A previously awarded direct commercial sale contract calls for a total of three Phalanx mounts to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy. The f
A high precision Enerpac SyncHoist system has been successfully deployed by heavy lift and transport specialists Universal Cranes to ensure optimum accuracy and safety in the hoisting and positioning of key components of one of the largest ships ever built for the Royal Australian Navy. The Enerpac
Commander of the Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Tim Barrett, AM, CSC, RAN joined family in welcoming home members of Taskforce 150, who have returned from the Middle East after four months leading maritime counter-terrorism coalition operations. Rear Admiral Barrett congratulated Commodore Charles M
The Royal Australian Navy’s ‘Purple Pony’, HMAS Toowoomba, is mid-way through her six-month deployment, patrolling the expanses of the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, and Indian Ocean. The Frigate Helicopter (FFH) frigate is currently assigned to Operation SLIPPER in the Middle Eas
Some 80 military personnel and officials from 18 countries are joining Australian Defence personnel at a forum in Sydney this week to discuss a range of environmental security issues linked to emerging climate change and sustainability challenges. Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Senator David Fe
The Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) is a voluntary youth organisation open to males and females from the age of 12 ½ until 20 years of age, which provides a planned youth development program based on maritime skills in an adventurous environment, delivering youth empowerment and conscious enterprise, a
Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG), Gallipoli contingent, is fine tuning its drill in preparation for Anzac Day ceremonies on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey. The contingent, with representatives from each of the services Navy, Army and Air Force, has been rehearsing its drill at the Australian Wa
The new General Manager of Fleet Support Unit (FSU) Australia, Jason Aquilina, has a clear message to deliver to sailors – FSU Australia is different to what it was eight months ago and it will continue to transform. “We are now a national organisation focussed on applying our trade skills to become
The Australian-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) has seized a record heroin haul during a boarding on Friday, 29 March 2013. Law enforcement agencies confirm the half a tonne of heroin has an estimated street value at $100 million AUD. According to law enforcement agencies, the 500kg haul is one
Spanish Armada ship ESPS Cantabria has berthed at Techport in Adelaide for an Easter port visit. ESPS Cantabria is currently operating with the Royal Australian Navy whilst on deployment to Australia in 2013. Cantabria’s deployment to Australia is enhancing interoperability between the Spanish Armad
Lieutenant Commander John Sperring, a long-term resident at the Australian Hydrographic Office, celebrated 40 years in Australian Defence Force (ADF) service on 6th March 2013. Originally in the Army for 12 ½ years, John reached the rank of Warrant Officer, primarily in Army Intelligence but also se
Families from Make-a-Wish Foundation visited Fleet Base West during ‘Wish Day’ on Friday 22 March 2013. The children and their families were able to experience and gain an insight into Navy life through visiting a number of units, watching demonstrations and talking to Navy personnel. Make-a-Wish Fo
HMAS Childers and the crew of Ardent Six (Lieutenant Commander Chris Brough) have been instrumental in recovering 77 survivors from wreckage 60 nautical miles north of Ashmore Island. Responding to a request from the Rescue Coordination Centre Australia via Joint Task Force (JTF) 639, the Armidale C
